By Chioma Vivian James
The vigilance and swift response of operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have once again demonstrated the Corps’ growing role in supporting public safety beyond its core mandate of road traffic management, following the arrest of suspected members of a notorious “one chance” and phone-theft syndicate in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The dramatic incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, June 15, 2026, along the busy Eleyele–Ojoo corridor when an FRSC patrol team on routine operational duty observed a motorcycle rider frantically pursuing a Nissan Micra with registration number AJW 903XE.
Moments later, a distressed female passenger raised an alarm, alleging that her mobile phone had been stolen while she was inside the vehicle.
Sensing the urgency of the situation, the patrol team immediately intercepted the vehicle and commenced preliminary questioning of its occupants. During the interrogation, the driver, identified as Idowu Mukaila, claimed he could facilitate the recovery of the missing phone. His statement soon raised suspicions when another individual unexpectedly appeared at the scene and produced the stolen device, suggesting possible coordination among the suspects.
Recognizing the likelihood of a wider criminal network, the FRSC operatives promptly reported the development to the Command and escorted the suspects for further investigation.
The case took a more revealing turn when officials of the Park Management System (PMS) and the Oyo State Drivers’ Union informed authorities that both the vehicle and its driver had reportedly been under surveillance following several complaints from members of the public. The complaints allegedly linked them to repeated incidents of phone theft and “one chance” operations across different parts of the Ibadan metropolis.
Following extensive questioning by the Sector Commander and the Deputy Corps Commander Operations, the suspects and relevant exhibits were formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Eleyele Division, for detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
The successful operation has been widely viewed as another testament to the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, vigilance, and inter-agency collaboration in tackling criminal activities on Nigerian roads. It also highlights the increasingly important role FRSC patrol teams play in complementing broader security efforts by identifying and responding to suspicious activities encountered during routine patrol operations.
Reacting to the incident, the Corps reiterated its commitment to ensuring not only safer roads but also safer journeys for all road users. FRSC urged commuters and motorists to remain alert, exercise caution when boarding commercial vehicles, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to relevant authorities.
The Corps further emphasized that public cooperation remains a critical component in the fight against crime, noting that timely information from citizens often contributes significantly to successful interventions and arrests.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder that vigilance, rapid response, and effective collaboration among security agencies remain key tools in combating criminal elements who exploit public transportation systems to prey on unsuspecting passengers.
